Recently, former World No.8 player and the current owner of the Madrid Open, Ion Tiriac, took a swipe at Serena Williams. During a media interaction, Tiriac made a statement that Williams should retire from the sport if she has any decency.

Admitting that Williams was a phenomenal player, Tiriac believes that the American tennis star should retire considering she is touching age 40. However, it wasn’t the first time Tiriac hit out at Williams. Back in 2018, he made comments around Serena’s weight and remarked the sport needed new personalities.

“At this age and the weight she is now, she does not move as easily as she did 15 years ago. Serena was a sensational player. If she had a little decency, she would retire! From all points of view,” said Tiriac.

Serena Williams’ husband hits back

Tiriac’s tirade didn’t go down well with William’s husband, Alexis Ohanian. The American Internet entrepreneur and investor took a jibe at Tiriac on Twitter by tweeting that no one pays heed to the latter’s opinion.

“Safe to say no one gives a damn what Ion Țiriac thinks,” said Alexis Ohanian.

Like a doting husband, Alexis Ohanian came to support his wife. Ohanian Sr. is often spotted cheering on Williams from the stands alongside their cute little daughter, Olympia. 

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Despite being 39 years old, Williams has reached four Grand Slam finals since Wimbledon 2018. The 23-time Grand Slam champion reached the semifinals of the 2019 US Open and won the ASB Classic a year back.

Williams has been on a mission to equal Margaret Court’s record of winning 24 singles major championships. Unfortunately, she has lost in her last four Grand Slam finals appearances and the emergence of new players would make it tougher for Williams.

With the Australian Open about to begin in a month’s time, Williams would aim to win a record eighth title at Melbourne Park.